Welcome to another enlightening piece where we dissect the nuances of our everyday tech tools.
Today, we’re answering many questions: what’s the difference between a WhatsApp call and a normal call?
As most of you know, WhatsApp has revolutionized communication, offering a platform that seamlessly combines text, voice, video, and even file sharing.
On the other side, we’ve got our reliable normal calls – the traditional voice communication system that has existed long before the internet entered the scene.
Let’s dive into understanding these two modes of communication more comprehensively.
We’ll begin by dissecting WhatsApp calls, followed by normal calls, and then pit them against each other to highlight their unique features and differences.
Differences Between Whatsapp Calls vs. Normal Calls
Here are the five (5) differences between the two;
Difference 1. – Cost Implications
When it comes to comparing the costs associated with WhatsApp calls and normal calls, the difference is quite stark.
WhatsApp calls are essentially “free” – as they use your internet connection. The cost is part of your data consumption, whether it’s through Wi-Fi or mobile data.
This makes WhatsApp an economical choice, particularly for international or long-duration calls. These costs can be negligible if you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network.
You might notice a dent in your wallet if you’re on a limited mobile data plan and making WhatsApp calls frequently.
On the other hand, the cost of normal calls can vary greatly depending on your location and your service provider’s pricing.
Local calls are generally included in your mobile plan, but the cost of international calls can add up quickly. Call charges can differ in the same country depending on peak or non-peak hours.
These costs are usually billed per minute and can escalate if you’re fond of long, chatty conversations.
Difference 2. – Accessibility and Availability
In terms of accessibility and availability, WhatsApp calls and normal calls have their own unique advantages.
With WhatsApp calls, the power of internet connectivity comes into play.
It enables you to connect with anyone in any corner of the world, as long as both parties have the WhatsApp application installed and a stable internet connection.
This eliminates international boundaries and makes communication globally seamless.
Moreover, with WhatsApp’s user-friendly interface and the growing digital literacy worldwide, accessing and using WhatsApp has become quite straightforward for people of all ages.
On the flip side, normal calls have their benefits too. Since they operate over the cellular network, normal calls don’t require an internet connection or even a smartphone.
They work on the most basic cellular phones, making them highly accessible even in regions with unstable or non-existent internet connectivity.
This makes normal calls reliable, especially in emergencies when internet connectivity is unavailable.
Difference 3. – Call Quality
The call quality of both WhatsApp calls and normal calls can fluctuate based on various factors, making this comparison a bit more nuanced.
WhatsApp call quality is heavily reliant on the stability of your internet connection. The call quality can be crystal clear when you’re connected to a strong Wi-Fi network or have robust mobile data coverage.
However, if your internet connection is weak or unstable, you might experience call drops, delays, or poor audio and video quality.
These issues can be particularly pronounced in areas with weak internet infrastructure or during peak usage times when bandwidth is stretched thin.
On the contrary, your cellular network coverage primarily determines the quality of normal calls. You can expect clear and uninterrupted calls in areas with good network coverage.
But, just like WhatsApp calls, you might experience call drops and poor audio quality in areas with weak signal coverage. However, normal calls have an advantage in that they aren’t impacted by peak internet usage times.
Another point to consider is that while normal calls are generally limited to audio, WhatsApp calls allow for both audio and video, enabling face-to-face interactions regardless of distance.
Difference 4. – Data Usage
When it comes to data usage, WhatsApp calls and normal calls operate entirely differently.
WhatsApp calls use your internet connection, meaning they consume data. The exact amount of data used during a call can vary.
Still, on average, a WhatsApp call uses between 0.3 to 0.6 MB of data per minute for a voice call, and around 5 MB of data per minute for a video call (under ideal conditions).
This could add up if you’re making frequent or lengthy calls, especially on a limited data plan.
Conversely, normal calls do not use your data at all. They operate over your cellular network, and the cost is usually based on call duration, billed per minute, or as part of your monthly plan.
This makes normal calls a good choice if you’re trying to conserve data or are in an area with limited or costly internet access.
It’s clear that while WhatsApp calls can be more data-intensive, they offer flexibility with voice and video calls. On the other hand, normal calls, while limited to voice only, do not consume any data.
Difference 5. – Additional Features
There’s a notable contrast between WhatsApp and normal calls regarding additional features.
WhatsApp calls come packed with a suite of features that extend beyond just voice and video calling.
For instance, during a WhatsApp call, you can switch between voice and video calls, mute your microphone, or even minimize the call to access other WhatsApp features.
Notably, WhatsApp also offers group calling for up to eight participants, which can be a mixture of voice and video. This makes it a versatile tool for personal chats or even business meetings.
While reliable and straightforward, normal calls offer a more limited set of features. Depending on your service provider, you can place calls on hold, mute your microphone, or add more people to the call.
However, the lack of video calling and the more complex process of setting up conference calls can be a drawback when compared to WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Does WhatsApp call use a lot of data?
WhatsApp calls do consume data. Typically, a voice call uses about 0.3 to 0.6 MB of data per minute, while a video call consumes around 5 MB per minute.
This can add up if you’re making long or frequent calls. It’s worth noting that this is significantly less data than streaming video, but more than basic web browsing or sending messages.
Q2. Can I use WhatsApp call for international calls?
Yes, you can! One of the key advantages of WhatsApp calls is that they can be made to any other WhatsApp user in the world, as long as both parties have an internet connection.
This makes them a cost-effective solution for international communication.
Q3. Are normal calls more reliable than WhatsApp calls?
It depends on the context. Normal calls would be more reliable in areas with good cellular coverage and limited or no internet access.
However, in areas with strong internet connectivity, WhatsApp calls can be just as reliable, offering additional features like video calling.
Q4. Can I make a group call with normal calls?
The ability to make group calls with normal calls depends on your service provider. Some providers do offer conference call features, but it’s typically more limited and more difficult to set up than a group call on WhatsApp.
Q5. Is the call quality better on WhatsApp or normal calls?
Call quality on both platforms can vary. WhatsApp calls rely on your internet connection – the stronger the connection, the better the call quality.
Normal calls depend on your cellular network signal. In areas with good signal, normal call quality can be excellent.
Conclusion
In the digital age, connecting has become easier than ever, thanks to services like WhatsApp. But while the technology has evolved, traditional methods like normal calls still have their place.
The comparison between WhatsApp calls and normal calls comes down to your needs and circumstances.
If you’re seeking global reach, versatility, and additional features like video calling and group chats, WhatsApp calls are a top choice.
However, normal calls can be the better option if you prefer a more straightforward, reliable method that doesn’t depend on internet access.
We hope this comparison helps you understand the key differences and make a more informed choice for your communication needs.
